It is a year or two into high school and before you know it, parents and teachers are talking about colleges. While some students may also be thinking about colleges, others remain in the moment. Life after high school may seem very far off, especially to a student who might be experiencing the complications of learning differences, executive functioning issues, ADHD, Asperger’s, physical disabilities, or health issues.

While in high school, services may be provided to students with disabilities through an IEP or a 504 plan. Students may have accommodations in the classroom for note taking, testing, and/or assignments, or may be receiving direct services with a special educator. The federal government guarantees all students appropriate educational services to meet their needs in order to benefit from their academic program. However, once a student graduates from high school, the landscape of service provision changes. Colleges do not provide an IEP or a 504 plan. They are not required to seek out students who need services or accommodations. While it is not necessary to self-identify during the application process, once enrolled it is the student’s responsibility to self-identify to the school to receive services.

The good news is that more colleges and universities now provide support for students with disabilities. The federal government, through the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensures that students with disabilities are provided with accommodations to ensure access to learning. However, there are no universal guidelines for how disability services will be provided, monitored, or executed, nor how involved a professor will be in following up with what the student may need to succeed in college.

This is where planning ahead will be very helpful. It is important to know what your learning style is and which accommodations and/or services have been helpful in the past. Given the differences in instructional demands between high school and college, students need to consider what services or accommodations might be needed. Having an overall assessment of strengths and areas of need will also guide you in your search for a college which complements your individual needs and abilities. In fact, most colleges will require a recent psycho-educational evaluation prior to the student receiving any services.

The range of possibilities for how disability services are provided is very broad. Typically, colleges may offer accommodations such as untimed tests or distraction-free environments for taking exams. Other schools may offer more comprehensive options, such as the support of a learning specialist, socialization programs or incorporate dedicated housing with supportive services. Some schools offer services inclusive with tuition. Others may have hourly fees for specific services. Will still others may charge additional fees for special programs.

Most significant for you, the student, is to be aware of your needs and to consider the services available at a particular school before making a decision to attend. Students who have received services earlier in their schooling often do not expect to need or use these services in college. However, one must consider the differences between high school and college expectations. It is better to have services available, should you need them, than to find yourself in a setting which does not support your particular needs, whether educational, psychological, or physical. Students have the freedom to choose whether and/or when to use or to discontinue available services. Having the choice is the key.

Feel free to contact College Docs for a consultation and be assured that your questions and concerns will be addressed individually and confidentially.

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Authors

Dr. Franklin and Dr. Boudin are psychologists who work with students and their families as college admissions consultants.